PSYC 2750: Introduction to Measurement and Statistics

Course Description

Introduction to Measurement and Statistics is for the university student who wishes (or perhaps, has been forced ;-) to gain an understanding of basic statistical concepts. Knowledge of these concepts is essential for the reading of technical journals in one's field and basic research design. In other words, no matter whether you are sitting by the fireplace catching up on your reading about depression or working on a new treatment method, knowing when and how to use measurements and statistics is fundamental. The basic concepts to be covered are:

The contrast between descriptive and causal research
Types of measurement
The use of descriptive statistics to summarize research results
The use of inferential statistics to draw conclusions based on a sample(s) drawn from a population.

This course is coded for the Scientific Understanding goal in the General Education program. Scientific Understanding is defined as the analysis of the concepts of a scientific discipline and its methods, limitations, and impact in the modern world.

This course is also coded for the Mathematics goal in the General Education program. Mathematics is defined as the recognition of the value and beauty of mathematics as well as the ability to appraise and use quantitative data.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

The student will have an understanding of basic research methodology and the impact of research design on data interpretation.
The student will be able to differentiate between a descriptive and inferential statistic and will know when each is being interpreted appropriately.
The student will know how to represent and interpret frequency and statistical data using basic graphing techniques.
The student will know how to compute and evaluate measures of central tendency, measures of variability, standard scores, correlation coefficients, linear regression, standard error, t-tests (independent and correlated), and one/two factor ANOVA.
The student will know when to appropriately use and how to interpret data from each of the above statistical techniques.
The student will understand the underlying assumptions and theory of hypothesis testing.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: All students should be capable of basic math and simple algebra.

Caveat: No prior statistical knowledge is required for this class. Techniques that will be used to achieve the course objectives will include online lecture, online discussion, readings, active problem solving exercises, additional supplementary exercises, homework, and examinations.

Note: Statistics can be fun or at least they don't need to be feared. The logical and mathematical concepts required to do well in this class are not prohibitive for any university student. The key to doing well in this class can be summarized by two words, "KEEP UP!" Should you start to fall behind, contact your instructor as soon as possible so that you can get caught up. Statistics is much like building a pyramid. You cannot move to the top if you fail to build the groundwork at each previous level. In other words, the material you learn each week will build on the material learned the previous weeks.

Course Materials

Please go to MBS Direct to find the appropriate textbooks for this course. Please be aware when purchasing your textbooks that the International versions of the text may differ from the Domestic (North American) version required for your course.

Click here for more information about textbooks for online courses.

Course Activities

To be successful in this course, it is important that you participate fully in all activities. These include:

Reading of the assigned text
Reading of supplementary materials
Studying of online provided materials
Participation in online discussion and activities (based both on quality and quantity of posts)
Completion of weekly study logs
All required assignments

Policy Statements

The course policies follow Webster University policies including online class policies. Non-participation in online discussions and activities will affect your grade. Remember plagiarism concerns are part of this online course and the University's overall academic dishonesty policies. Plagiarism is use of another's idea, opinion, publications, writings, information in one's own publication without proper credit to the original source of the idea, opinion, writing, or information. Please cite whenever appropriate. (see the Undergraduate College Academic Policies and Procedures)

Academic Honesty
The university is committed to high standards of academic honesty. Students will be held responsible for violations of these standards. Please refer to the university's academic honesty policies for a definition of academic dishonesty and potential disciplinary actions associated with it. These policies can be found online at: http://www.webster.edu/graduatecatalog/policies.shtml and in the Nursing Department Handbook http://www.webster.edu/depts/artsci/nursing/handbook.htm

Drops and Withdrawals
Please be aware that, should you choose to drop or withdraw from this course, the date on which you notify the university of your decision will determine the amount of tuition refund you receive. Please refer to the university policies on drops and withdrawals (published elsewhere) to find out what the deadlines are for dropping a course with a full refund and for withdrawing from a course with a partial refund. Late withdraws from this class will not be approved by the instructor except in cases of emergency discussed with the instructor. No late withdraws will be approved on the basis of poor class performance.. These policies can be found online at: http://www.webster.edu/graduatecatalog/policies.shtml

Special Services
If you are registered as a student with a documented disability and are entitled to classroom or testing accommodations, it is your responsibility to inform the instructor at the beginning of the course of the accommodations you will require in this class so that these can be provided. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations please contact the Academic Resource Center.

Disturbances
Every student is entitled to full participation in class without interruption, all students are expected participate in all online course activities. Disruption of the learning process or inconsiderate online behavior is not acceptable. Students are expected to treat the instructor and other students with dignity and respect, especially in cases where a diversity of opinion arises. Students who engage in disruptive behavior are subject to disciplinary action, including removal from the course.

Student Assignments Retained
The College of Arts and Sciences will retain some random student assignments or projects for the purpose of academic assessment as it relates to student learning outcomes.

Note: This syllabus may be revised at any time at the discretion of the instructor and without prior notification or consent of the student.

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